Nazir's death a 'significant blow' to Taliban: US

WASHINGTON (PAN): The death of Mullah Nazir, the main anti-US Pakistani Taliban commander, would be a “significant blow” to the insurgents, if confirmed, the Pentagon said on Thursday.

Nazir was among 10 people killed in multiple US drone strikes carried out in the south and north Waziristan tribal region of Pakistan near the Afghanistan border on Thursday.

Though not willing to confirm his death, the Pentagon said the Taliban leader had blood on his hands and his demise would be helpful in the war against terrorism and to both Afghanistan and Pakistan as well.

“Let me be very clear, I can’t confirm the reports. If the reports are true this would be a significant blow and would be a very helpful not just to the United States but also to our Pakistani partners and the Afghans,” Pentagon Press Secretary George Little told reporters during an off-camera news conference.

“This is someone who had great deal of blood on his hands.. this would be a major development,” Little said.

However, he said at this stage the US had no information to confirm Nazir's death. “I do not have any information at this stage to be able to confirm,” he said.